NESDC and ADB Convene High-Level Policy Dialogue on Thailand’s Energy Transition and Economic Transformation

     On April 27, 2026, the NESDC and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) co-hosted a policy dialogue in Bangkok to align Thailand’s economic restructuring with its green energy goals.

Highlights

• Net Zero 2050 & the 14th NESDP: Under the upcoming 14th National Economic and Social Development Plan (NESDP) (2028–2032), Thailand is positioning the Energy Transition as a central pillar of its economic restructuring and competitiveness strategy. The upcoming Power Development Plan (PDP) targets over 50% renewable energy, supported by advanced clean technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Carbon Capture. These technologies and policy frameworks are designed to decouple economic growth from carbon emissions, ensuring a sustainable path toward Net Zero by 2050.
• Regional Energy Hub: Thailand aims to become the Regional Energy Balancing Hub, linking the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) with Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia via the ASEAN Power Grid (APG). ADB estimates this integration could lower electricity prices of Thailand by 8.3% by 2040.
• Critical Minerals: Discussion focused on establishing Thailand as a regional hub for rare earth element (REE) processing and magnet recycling to secure supply chains and boost domestic innovation.
• Financial & Technical Support: ADB pledged continued support through Sovereign and Non-sovereign lending, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and Blended Financing to de-risk high-tech projects like Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Smart Grids.

     This event marks the commencement of the collaboration between the NESDC and ADB.
     This partnership will support both the formulation and implementation of the 14th NESDP and ADB’s Thailand Country Partnership Strategy (CPS) 2027–2031, ensuring a synchronized approach to Thailand’s long-term development goals.

 

Source: Infrastructure Strategy Division, NESDC

Photo: Jakkrapong Swaparbmongkol